Metra to replace grade crossing on Electric South Chicago Branch

Metra later this week will begin replacing grade crossing components at the Stony Island Avenue intersection on its Electric South Chicago Branch.

The $1.2 million project includes removing and replacing rails, ties, ballast rubber panels and asphalt. The crossing hasn't been renewed for two decades and is "well beyond its useful life," Metra officials said in a press release.

Replacing such a large crossing normally would take two weeks, but Metra accelerated the schedule because the road is a major Chicago thoroughfare.

The crossing will close at midnight June 22 and reopen June 29 before the morning rush hour.